By Emma Amaize

WARRI—YOUTHS of Yokri, Sokebolou and other Ijaw communities in Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area in Delta State, weekend, attacked Ogidigben, the Itsekiri community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state, where the $16 billion Export Processing Zone, EPZ, is located.

A source told Vanguard: “The Ijaw youths shot into the air near the EPZ site to scare the Itsekiri, but nobody was injured.”

Itsekiri leader, Chief Ayiri Emami, confirmed that there was indiscriminate shooting by Ijaw youths when contacted. He also condemned the action, saying it was clear that those involved wanted to use the shooting to attract the attention of Mr. President.

He said work on the EPZ project site was advancing towards Madangho and Ajudaibo, both Itsekiri communities and there was no need for the Ijaw of Ogulagha to threaten the project.

Chairman, Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Ogulagha Kingdom, Doubra Okotete, confirmed on phone that Ogulagha youths attacked Ogidigben because they were inching into their land.

He said the attack was a warning strike to tell the Ogidigben people that Ogulagha youths have the capacity to defend their land and would strike a big blow if justice was not done.

Okotete said: “Nobody was injured as the plan was not to injure anybody. They only carried out a warning attack.”